Baku: Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, announced during the Azerbaijan-Slovakia Business Forum that his country is set to commission a new international airport by the middle of next year, in the territory of the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), which is located 50-55 km from Baku.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, AFEZ, together with its transport infrastructure, will transform into one of the major logistic hubs, linking Central Asia, China, the Black Sea region, and Europe. Minister Jabbarov highlighted the investment opportunities, business-friendly environment, and the advantages the AFEZ offers to international investors.

He also emphasized the successful collaboration between Azerbaijan and Slovakia in the energy sector, as well as in humanitarian demining and restoration efforts in Azerbaijani liberated territories, urging the full utilization of the potential for boosting these ties.